The Watsons Go To Birmingham- 1963

Curtis, C. P. (1995).   The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963. NY:  Delacorte. The Watsons go to Birmingham is told in the eyes of a 10 year old boy named Kenny.His older brother Byron is always getting into trouble causing his family to take a trip to Birmingham, Alabama to see their grandma in hopes to straighten Byron up. Their trip to  Birmingham, Alabama should make everything a lot better, but the  Watson family quickly learn that things can get even worse vacationing in the South. In the last few chapters, Kenny experiences things that a normal 10 year old shouldn't face such as rush with death, discrimination,and low self-esteem. Surprisingly, throughout it all his brother Byron “the troublemaker” is by his side the entire time.After the trip to Birmingham, Byron grows into a very caring individual and Kenny learns that with family strength and love you can overcome any obstacle.  This historical fiction novel combines comedy and drama all in one read. While reading this book you will naturally grow a connection to the “Weird Watsons” finding yourself laugh,cry,smile, and fuming with anger. Although part of this book was funny to read, it does get serious when the author integrates the historic tragic event of the 1963 Birmingham Church bombing. This event in the novel reveals to readers how dangerous it was to be a person of color living in the South during the Civil Rights movement. There are multiple major themes this book covers including race, friendship, family, bullying and growing up. One part that will have readers laughing out loud is when Byron decides to kiss his reflection on a snowy car window! Check out one of my Favorite parts in the book! This is exactly what I envisioned in my head while I was reading! Lol!! https://youtu.be/0uE2EMgvXfM Movie Trailer You have to Checkout the movie! Teaching Resources For the book http://iqlearnonline.org/course/view.php?id=149